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Women & Hi Tech Announces
Recipients of Leading Light Awards, Scholarships and Grants

On October 6, 2022, Women & Hi Tech was privileged to recognize over 80 incredible scholarship and award nominees at our Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala. Over 550 attendees gathered at the Indiana Roof Ballroom to celebrate these diverse women of excellence and male allies in Indiana’s STEM community. During the program emceed by Jennie Lopez, head of Global Recruiting and Talent Acquisition for Eli Lilly & Company, Women & Hi Tech announced over $50,000 in scholarships and grants to diverse women and girls at all stages of their STEM careers, and recognized 10 Leading Light Award recipients.

“In order to continue our mission, and grow our impact in Indiana’s STEM communities, we must bring educators, leaders, and all STEM professionals together with the future in mind,” said Women & Hi Tech President Maria Alvim Gaston during the event. “Women & Hi Tech firmly believes that together, we will inspire and encourage more elementary, middle school and high school girls by connecting with them through mentoring, modeling and demonstrating all the possibilities for them in the world of STEM.”

Women and Hi Tech would like to express our gratitude to all of our annual sponsors as well as our Leading Light Awards, Scholarship and Grant Sponsors. We thank our Comet Sponsor and the Leading Light Awards Signature Sponsor Eli Lilly & Co. All our community partners provide incredible continued support of Women & Hi Tech’s mission and made our gala possible. This event also would not have succeeded without the work of our Leading Light Awards Director Rebecca Bormann and the 2022 Leading Light Awards Committee: Darcy Lee, Lori Boyer, Amber Peckham, Maria Alvim Gaston, Hannah Stork, Ben Phillips, Stephanie Jeffers, Linda Hicks, Karen Hyman, Heidi Melton, and Jodie Daugherty

We are especially honored to share the announcement of our 27 award and scholarship recipients.

Mentor Me! Award Recipient

Wendy Stein, Senior Vice President, Site Head Indianapolis, General Manager Roche Diagnostics Operations, Roche Diagnostics

Leadership Award Recipient

Danielle Shockey, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Risk Taker Award Recipient

Brei Cecil-Satchwell, Director of Foundation Operations, Techpoint Foundation for Youth

Rising Star Award Recipient

Michelle Sharon, Manager, Roche Support Network Customer Support Center - Systems & Compliance, Roche Diagnostics

You Inspire Us! Award Recipient

Akilah Darden, President, The Darden Group LLC

Outstanding Educator in STEM Award Recipient

Genevieve McLeish Petty, Computer Science Teacher, Cold Spring School

Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award Recipient

E. ZeNai Brooks, Controller, Corporate Responsibility and Foundation, Cummins
Chief Strategy Officer, Mind Your Business Accounting and Consulting
First Lady, New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church

OperationALL Male Ally Award

Ron Frankenfield, CEO, Bell Techlogix

Equity and Inclusion Champion Award

Sonal Sheth Zawahri, Founder/CEO, Tru You

Change the Landscape Award

Christine Krull, Program Director, Roche

$5,000 Women & Hi Tech Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Sara Lake, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Manchester University

$5,000 Women & Hi Tech Graduate Scholarship Recipient

Kelly Orze, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Franklin College

$5,000 Women & Hi Tech High School Senior Scholarship Recipient

Jazlyn Collyear, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Indiana Institute of Technology

$5,000 Women & Hi Tech Rare Nickel Scholarship Recipient

Lovette Coston, Doctor of Business Administration in Information Services, Indiana Wesleyan University

$5,000 Women & Hi Tech Professional Development Grant Recipient

Dinah Allen, Creator & Owner, MuffySkates

$3,000 Barnes & Thornburg LLP Corporate or Patent Law Scholarship

Anusuya Das, Ph.D., Juris Doctor, Indiana University McKinney School of Law

$2,500 Bell Techlogix Scholarship Recipient

Zoe Barnsfather, Bachelor of Science in Biology - Integrative and Organismal Biology, Indiana University

$2,500 SIM Indy Undergraduate Leading the Future Scholarship Recipient

Evie Iles, Bachelor of Science in New Media and Informatics–Game Development/UI and UX Design, IUPUI

$2,500 SIM Indy Graduate Leading the Future Scholarship Recipient

Michiko Jackson, Master of Science in Information and Communication Sciences, Ball State University

$2,500 Ivy Tech Community College Scholarship Recipient

Corissa McClammer, Associate of Science in Biotechnology, Ivy Tech Community College

One-Year Startup Ladies Membership Grant Recipient

LaJoi Shelton Robinson, Software Architect Analyst, Accenture

$1,000 Professional Management Enterprises Scholarship Recipient

Odessa Lyon, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Indiana University

$1,000 Professional Management Enterprises Scholarship Recipient

Rebecca Boyd, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Purdue University

$2,500 Central Indiana ISACA Scholarship Recipient

Ella Virt, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Purdue University

$3,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship Recipient

Amerti Guta, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, DePauw University

$3,000 Jo Basey Spirit Scholarship Recipient

Rashi Tyagi, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, IUPUI

$6,535 #InThisTogether Scholarship Recipient

Jessica Djessa, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Hanover College

Women & Hi Tech Welcomes First Latina President

4 new board members assume roles for 2022-2023

[INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA August 2022] – Women & Hi Tech is happy to announce the new Board of Directors for 2022-2023. This includes the organization’s first Latina president, Dr. Maria Alvim Gaston. Maria is a scientist by training with an educational background across organic, medicinal, and computational chemistries. In her 20+ year professional career in the biopharmaceutical industry she has made impactful contributions in computational chemistry, research IT, discovery operations, open innovation, and talent acquisition.

“I am proud to be the very first Latina to lead the Women and Hi Tech organization. I am eager to grow our impact in Indiana’s STEM communities by bringing all STEM professionals together to support K-12 student accomplishments and connect students with STEM career opportunities.”

Maria is enthusiastic about creating an environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion. She loves to coach and mentor students and early career professionals to help individuals achieve their best throughout their career.

“We are often asked how we can get more women into STEM degree programs and occupations,” she said. “Families, schools, and communities can create an environment of encouragement that can disrupt negative stereotypes about women’s capacity in these demanding fields. By supporting the development of girls’ confidence in their ability to learn math and science, our board helps motivate interest in these fields. Women’s educational progress should be celebrated, yet more work is needed to ensure that women and girls have full access to educational and employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And here in Indiana, Women & Hi Tech is committed to making these STEM fields more welcoming for women and giving women support they need to thrive in these careers.”

The existing Board is also pleased to welcome two new Board Directors to the 2022-2023 term. Shanniese Rice, Manager, IT Business Solutions: Product Line Specialty at Community Health Network, will serve as the organization’s new Secretary.

Tiffany Trusty, Associate Director of Product Management for Digital Health at Eli Lilly, will serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Existing board member Joy Neely, Senior Vice President of Sales, CareMetx, has elevated to the organization’s President-Elect role. See the current full board of directors at https://womenandhitech.org/Board

by member Glenn Keller

I’m having a conversation with my cousin. He’s a trustee for a local university and they're trying to start up an engineering program. It’s a liberal arts school with an emphasis on the arts, especially music. He waits for me to stop laughing and reminds me they have excellent chemistry and physics programs. I concede the point and admit he may be onto something.

But where to find students? He is not going to compete with Rose-Hulman or Purdue, is he? He assures me that is not the idea. Besides, it's a religious affiliated school with a mission. They just want to nudge some of their current base into STEM.

We talk about STEAM, and I suggest that some of his future engineering students are probably studying cello and really don't know what in the world they are going to do with it. That can happen when you make a career path decision at 17 years old. They may even feel trapped with student debt and would welcome some options. Options are good. People that feel like they have options in finances, relationships and yes, in careers, are happier and more resilient. (And by the way, I didn't single out cellists on purpose, at least not consciously. More on that later.)

As my cousin and I spoke, I related the tale of a Computer Science professor who handed me an option. I was a theatre major, who could have probably found work but not enough to make a decent living. She encouraged me to make it my hobby and to go to graduate school for Computer Science.

"I can do that?”

"Of course, you can," she assured me, "and you're good at it.”

I didn't realize it was an option.

One of the reasons I was doing so well in that beginning comp sci class is that I worked really hard at it. I figured I might as well since I spent so much time in the lab. In fact, one of the lab assistants, a senior computer science major pointed out that "no one spends this much time in the computer lab.”

"I'm trying to do really well." I tried to sound convincing.

"Uh-huh." She was definitely on to me.

As it turned out, she didn't mind having me around. Oh, and I forgot to mention, besides being a computer science major, she was a cellist.

My cousin and I parted ways with him thinking about recruiting a few of their music majors into the new program.

I wonder how many people that are out there need a career option and don't realize it's staring them in the face. Music skills translate readily to mathematics and coding. Some of the technical aspects of theatre are not a whole lot different than designing and administering networks. So, the next time you attend a career fair, instead of just burying yourself with the informatics and comp sci people, try buttonholing a few music or theatre students. Because face it: you need options as well. Part of the mission of Women & Hi Tech is to help supply and drive awareness of those options. If you are seeking advice for a career change, new talent for your company, or simply a support system, I strongly encourage you to get involved with Women & Hi Tech!

On May 5, we were so excited to feature HR Guru Kristen Lampkin as the presenter in a Virtual Executive Women’s Forum. Let’s recap some of the tips we walked away with to Unleash the Power of LinkedIn!

Tip 1: Post From Your Core Values.

Identify your core values to make sure you are developing a personal brand that aligns with who you actually are. It's very jarring to meeting a person in real-life who is nothing like their presence online!

Tip 2: Cover Your Basics

Make sure your “About Me” section on LinkedIn is written in the first person. In your work history, add connections between your work experience and what you have actually done in those roles. The same goes for skills—these are a great way to expand your network and build your brand, plus show up in searches.

Tip 3: Introduce Yourself!

It is okay to use LinkedIn to connect with people you have never met before in real-life. In fact, LinkedIn will even recommend people you should connect with. You can also attend LinkedIn Events to network with people who share your interests, passions, and skills. This is like attending a free conference via LinkedIn.

These are just a small portion of the amazing insights Kristen shared. If you have ever been curious about some of LinkedIn’s features, wondered how to use this platform to grow your career, or are curious to know if your profile is making use of all the best practices, watch the full video of this session on our YouTube channel!

In honor of Pride Month in June, we wanted to share the stories of some female LGBTQ+ innovators who made and are making history in STEM fields.

Science

️‍ Sally Ride

Sally Ride was an American astronaut and physicist, the first American woman in space and the third woman in space overall. She was also the earliest space traveler to be recognized as LGBTQ+. After retiring as an astronaut she became an educator at the University of California to inspire more women to enter science and math fields. As part of this initiative, she and her partner founded MoonKam, which allowed middle school students to take photos from the International Space Station. Ride also wrote several children’s books to nurture young people’s interest in science. Learn more about Sally Ride.

️‍ Polly Arnold

Polly Arnold is a Professor of Chemistry at UC Berkeley and the Chemical Sciences Division Director at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her work focuses on the reactions of rare earths and actinides, to both help exploit these elements for quantum mechanics and guide better stewardship of nuclear waste. In 2012, Arnold was awarded the Rosalind Franklin Prize for her achievements as a female scientist. She used the prize money to produce a documentary film, “A Chemical Imbalance,” about the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields and particularly the sciences. Learn more about Polly Arnold.

Technology

️‍ Mary Gray

Mary L. Gray is Senior Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research and maintains a faculty position at IU Luddy School of Informatics in addition to serving as a Faculty Associate at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. Dr. Gray is an anthropologist by training with a PhD in Communication, focusing her work on how everyday use of technology transforms our labor, rights, and identities. Her books “In Your Face” and “Out In The Country” focus on how queer youth in rural Appalachia use media and technology to define identity and community. Learn more about Mary L. Gray.

️‍ Ann Mei Chang

Ann Mei Chang is a technology expert, global development advocate, author, and public speaker. Today, she is the CEO of Candid, a non-profit that provides data about the movement of money in the social sector. She spent 20 years working as an executive and leader at tech startups and companies including Apple, Intuit, and Google. From there she migrated to the public sector, serving as the Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Mercy Corps, and Pete for America, as well as the first Executive Director of the US Global Development Lab. She has dedicated her career to helping tech companies innovate toward more inclusion and social good. Learn more about Ann Mei Chang.

Engineering

️‍ Lynn Conway

Lynn Conway is a famed computer engineer. For many decades, Conway’s achievements went uncelebrated as she faced stigmatization and pressure to conduct her career in “stealth mode” as a transgender woman. She was fired by IBM in 1968 for affirming her gender identity, though the company did not stop leveraging her innovations. Conway started her career over again as a programmer and within a decade was again pioneering the next wave of innovation in VSLI microchip design. She has used her prestige and courage to advance transgender inclusion and break down stigmas. Learn more about Lynn Conway.

️‍ Elena Rodriguez-Falcon

Elena Rodriguez-Falcon is a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and industrial management. To complete her master’s, she moved from her native Mexico to the United Kingdom where she later became a professor and Director of Women in Engineering at the University of Sheffield. Today she is President and CEO of the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, as well as principal fellow at the Higher Education Academy and fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. She is an influential voice of advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community, especially challenging the heteronormativity which is prevalent in engineering. Learn more about Elena Rodriguez-Falcon.

Mathematics

️‍ Emily Riehl

Emily Riehl is an associate professor of mathematics at Johns Hopkins University. She has done deep and foundational work in category theory and homotopy theory, both studies in the way different mathematical or geometric objects relate to one another. In 2022 she was named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, among other honors and awards throughout her career. Riehl is a host of the n-Category Café blog on subjects related to category theory in mathematics, physics, and philosophy. She is also a founding board member of the LGBTQ+ mathematical association Spectra. Learn more about Emily Riehl.

️‍ Antonia J. Jones

Antonia J. Jones lost the use of her legs to polio at age 10 but overcame that barrier to achieve groundbreaking innovation in mathematics and computer science. Dr. Jones started her career as an expert in number theory, gradually becoming more interested in computer science during the 1970s. During her life she published more than 70 papers and books on topics including game theory, neural learning, and artificial intelligence. Her most renowned innovation was the creation of the Gamma Test (aka Near Neighbor Test), which is still used today to simplify and streamline the construction of data models and neural networks. Learn more about Antonia J. Jones.

This list represents just a small number of the LGBTQ individuals who have transformed STEM fields. Icons such as Alan Turing, Tim Cook, Jack Andraka, Adam Frew, and Adam Hart are just some of the male allies you should consider looking up!

Who do you think we should feature for LGBTQ+ STEM day on November 18? If you would be interested in sharing your own story, let us know!

Join a committee and help Women & Hi Tech advance our mission!

The following committees are seeking members for a minimum one-year term:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• Membership Engagement Committee
• Corporate Sponsorship Committee
• Community Outreach Committee

Whatever strengths and talents you bring to the table, joining a committee to support Women & Hi Tech will benefit your professional development by growing your marketable skillset, expanding your professional network, and gaining you experience contributing to a well-established Indiana nonprofit.

See below for information about each of these opportunities and next steps to apply for a role! We are so grateful for your interest and can't wait to hear from you.

Please note all candidates must be members in good standing and must remain in good standing throughout their time on the committee.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

• Seeking 1 additional volunteer to assist with developing and implementing Women & Hi Tech’s DEI goals including finalizing key objectives and action steps, metrics tracking, reporting, and communicating DEI strategy to others.
• Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per month for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, must be available on Monday evenings once a month to attend committee meetings. Also, should be available to attend other Women & Hi Tech events.
• Qualifications: Candidates should have the ability to positively influence others. Ideal candidates have background or experience in diversity, equity and inclusion. Background in marketing and/or experience developing and executing strategic plans is beneficial. Candidates must have flexibility in their schedule to attend monthly virtual calls and occasional face to face strategy meetings.
• Contact: Tiffany Trusty, edi@womenandhitech.org

Membership Engagement Committee

Event Planner Lead

• Seeking 1 volunteer to help lead the planning and implementation of 1 or 2 Women & Hi Tech events.
• Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month to attend a virtual monthly meeting and independently execute on planning tasks plus provide day-of event assistance for at least the events you plan.
• Qualifications: Candidates should be creative, willing to share ideas, and be comfortable working in a team environment. Planning experience is a plus!
• Contact: Sahara Williams, networking@womenandhitech.org

STEM Circle Leads

• Seeking volunteers interested in helping Women & Hi Tech develop programing targeted to the specific area of STEM in which you work – You would work with your industry trade association or other Women & Hi Tech members who are in your field of practice to develop programing important to your industry
• Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month to attend a virtual monthly meeting and independently execute on 1-3 small group activities
• Qualifications: Ideal candidates are already engaged in their field of practice, perhaps with a trade association and can serve as a liaison between the two organizations to further joint interests. Candidates should be creative, willing to share ideas, and be comfortable working in a team environment. Planning experience is a plus!
• Contact: Sahara Williams, networking@womenandhitech.org

Corporate Champions

• Seeking 1 or 2 volunteers from each of Women & Hi Tech’s corporate/organizational members interested in helping Women & Hi Tech increase awareness and participation from among your coworkers
• Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per month to attend a virtual monthly meeting, share ideas and feedback from your coworkers, and independently promote Women & Hi Tech programs to the appropriate persons within your corporation/organization
• Qualifications: Ideal candidates are creative, willing to share ideas, and interested in increasing their leadership role within their company and within Women & Hi Tech.
• Contact: Sahara Williams,networking@womenandhitech.org

Corporate Sponsorship Committee

• Seeking up to 3 volunteers to help identify and support corporate sponsor activities including identifying new annual corporate sponsors, signature event sponsors including Leading Light Awards and Networking events, as well as engaging with existing sponsors to ensure quality engagement.
• Time Commitment: 4-6 hours monthly for the 2022-2023 fiscal year
• Qualifications: Committee members will be requested to attend corporate sponsorship committee meetings, assist in outreach to new and renewing corporate sponsors, and participate in Women & Hi Tech events.
• Contact: Hannah Stork, corpsponsor@womenandhitech.org

Community Outreach Committee

• Seeking up to 6 volunteers to help identify and support events that align with Women & Hi Tech’s mission that are outside the scope of the K-12 and Collegiate Outreach committees
• Time Commitment: 4-6 hours monthly for the 2022-2023 fiscal year
• Qualifications: Committee members will be requested to participate at events as volunteers, Women & Hi Tech representatives, and STEM industry professionals. This may include coordinating activities with host organization, planning and facilitating events (set up and tear down), staffing the booth during in person or virtual events, networking and recruiting new members during events.
• Contact: Rebecca Leon, outreach@womenandhitech.org

Women & Hi Tech members are invited to the Women & Hi Tech Annual Meeting of the Members on June 14, 2022 from 3:30-4:00 pm, followed by the Executive Women’s Forum – Mental Health. During this meeting, we’ll review what we’ve accomplished together over the past year, some plans for the coming year, and provide the opportunity for you to vote to elect the 2022-2023 slate of the Board of Directors of Women & Hi Tech. 

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting of the Members in person and have yet to register, please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON.

Recognizing how busy everyone is, we are pleased to share that you may also vote electronically (by proxy).CLICK HERE TO VOTE BY PROXY for the 2022-2023 board slate if you do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting of the Members. You will be asked to log in to your Women & Hi Tech account before voting.

Voting will end at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 14. Votes received in-person or by proxy after 5:00 pm on June 14, 2022 will not be counted in the official tally for election of the 2019-2020 slate of the Board of Directors.

Thank you for being one of over 1,800 valued members of Women & Hi Tech, and for participating in the 2022-2023 Annual Meeting of the Members. If you have any questions, please contact us at WHTinfo@womenandhitech.org

Founded in 1999 in Indianapolis by a female scientist from Eli Lilly & Co. and a female academician from Indiana University, Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve our goal, we work to mentor, advance, recognize, and connect female STEM students and professionals with each other and our community in Indiana. Our members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics, and information technology.

Women & Hi Tech is run by an all-volunteer, working Board of Directors and are looking for candidates who are actively engaged with the organization, and will bring wisdom, experience, effectiveness, candor, and creative thinking. We are passionate about our organization and the meaningful work we do and are looking for like-minded individuals. We do not take the term “working board” lightly. At any given time, a Director is leading her/his own area of responsibility while also contributing to other areas of the organization, including serving on committees, participating in Women & Hi Tech events, and representing Women & Hi Tech in the community.

The call for nominations closes May 25, 2022. Multiple nominations from a single candidate are permitted. All nominations will be reviewed by the Nomination Committee. Nominees must be Women & Hi Tech members in good standing at the time of initial voting and must remain in good standing throughout their tenure.

New board members take office on July 1, 2022.Board Orientation for new Directors will be conducted in-person the afternoon/evening of June 20th (4:30-8:30 pm in Fishers). Please save this date when you submit your application.

To apply or nominate an individual, please review the job descriptions and policies linked below and complete the online form by May 25, 2022. Thank you for your interest!

• Secretary 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director
  
  
• Code of Conduct & Conflict of Interest Policy for Members of the Board
• Active Board of Directors & Active Emeritus Member Participation Requirements

Thank you again to everyone who attended our February Special Edition Virtual Executive Women’s Forum with Dr. Vivian Cintron. Many attendees submitted questions we were not able to cover in the allotted time. Dr. Cintron was kind enough to provide written responses!

Fig 1

1.    What is the viability of dual (RNA-based and Immuno) assays for viral viability screening (not definitive/diagnostics) of large (>100) groups of people?

The rapid and accurate detection of COVID-19 is the first step for managing and controlling the spread. This is achieved by detection of SARS-CoV-2 by real- time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction

The first step in managing COVID-19 is the rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 enabled by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR)1.

RT–PCR detects SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids present in nasopharyngeal fluids 2. This testing is used to prevent infectious spread between persons and communities that include asymptomatic infected persons, whose viral shedding can inadvertently spread the infection to the elderly and those with disease comorbidities 3. This specific test offers high sensitivity however it takes 4-5 to obtain the results at a laboratory setting. Other type of testing is the serological testing which can indicate a past infection based on the antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a qualitative detection of IgG or IgM antibodies 4. Such tests determine an immune response against the viral spike (S) protein and may be helpful to assess protection against subsequent viral exposure and/or for contact tracing purposes 5. Thus, the importance of such tests cannot be overstated, however this testing setting is prone to low specificity due to the collection of samples, exposure time or incubation during the first infection phase and variations in the testing platforms. Improving this test for sensitivity and specificity are urgent matters.1

Although RT–qPCR is the current standard for detection of nucleic acids, new methods, such as pulse-controlled amplification, are being evaluated. Pulse-controlled amplification does not require RNA extraction and can be carried out in 10 min with a small device 6. In the future, S- and N-based immunodiagnostic platforms will work alongside nucleic acid amplification tests to increase detection sensitivity of COVID-19 at minimal cost 7. The aim of these dual platforms will produce results in a short time and less expensive for mass production 8. 

2.    In your opinion, when do you anticipate organizations being safely able to host in-person events?

As the COVID-19 hospitalizations are decreasing, more events will be hosted in person leaving the best practices of prevention (mask or face coverings) to the public discretion.

3.    Do you think we'll require annual Covid vaccinations, like the flu shot?

This is a topic of great discussion now that more events are face to face. As the scientist are still elucidating more data, the recommendations of a second booster will be towards the vulnerable population that has been affected during the pandemic, this will be those members of the community at age of 70 above or immunocompromised patients. Currently, several Pharmaceuticals are exploring the development of an annual dual vaccine: flu and coronavirus.

4.    What precautions/advice do you have for someone with a newborn?

Children represent about 19% of all reported COVID-19 cases in the U.S. since the pandemic began. About 7.6 million child cases have been reported since early September 2021.9

While children are as likely to get COVID-19 as adults, kids are less likely to become severely ill. Up to 50% of children and adolescents might have COVID-19 with no symptoms. However, some children with COVID-19 need to be hospitalized, treated in the intensive care unit, or placed on a ventilator to help them breathe.9

Babies under age 1 might be at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19 than older children. Newborns can get COVID-19 during childbirth or by exposure to sick caregivers after delivery.

It is recommended If you have COVID-19 or are waiting for test results due to symptoms during your stay in the hospital after childbirth, wear a well-fitting face mask and have clean hands when caring for your newborn. Keeping your newborn's crib by your bed while you are in the hospital is fine, however it is recommended to maintain a reasonable distance from your baby when possible. When these steps are taken, the risk of a newborn getting COVID-19 is low.

If you are severely ill with COVID-19, you might need to be temporarily separated from your newborn. It is also recommended that the baby's caregivers wear face masks and wash their hands to protect themselves. Frequent follow-up with the baby's doctor is needed by phone, virtual visits, or in-office visits for 14 days. Infants who test negative for COVID-19 can be sent home from the hospital.9

5.    For in-person gatherings (bridal shower, team potluck, etc.) how do you recommend the food to be served?  Individually wrapped portions or is a self serve buffet ok?

For in person events, food should be serve taking all potential precautions avoiding handling the food without sanitation measures. If there is an event with few participants having a small unit desk with hand sanitizer prior to the line up for food banquets might be a favorable practice.

6.    How safe is it to travel abroad?

Traveling measures will soon start changing regarding mask or face coverings at the onboarding stage of the airplane. Be alert for those announcements.

Traveling abroad is fine, however knowing the cases of COVID-19 infections prior to the country visit is recommended in addition to be cognizant of mass gatherings that could be a place of spreading in case of an infection. Utilization of appropriate reasonable face covering could be a good practice.

7.    What is the Stealth variant?

BA.2, or known as the “stealth omicron,” is one of three known sublineages of Omicron. BA.2 differs from the omicron in mutations in the spike protein and other areas according to the World Health Organization. While this mutation makes it more difficult to identify as Omicron on some tests, it does not make the virus more difficult to detect.

BA.2 is more transmissible than the original Omicron variant (BA.1), though exactly how much more is still unknown. In February 2022, early studies from the UK and Denmark found BA.2 was 30% more transmissible.10 The risk of hospitalization is the same in BA.1 and BA.2 based on reviews from Denmark, India, South Africa and the United Kingdom.11 Vaccinated people are still less likely to get infected by either variant compared to non-vaccinated people.

As of March 2022, BA.2 has become the dominant variant globally, according to the World Health Organization.12

In the United States, BA.2 accounted for over a third of new cases, according to the CDC. While a new surge is not expected, health officials have warned that overall COVID-19 infections could rise across the US, parallel to trends in the UK and Europe.12

Fig 2

References

1. Liu, R. et al. Positive rate of RT–PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 4880 cases from one hospital in Wuhan, China, from Jan to Feb 2020. Clin. Chim. Acta 505, 172–175 (2020).

2. Research Use Only 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-time RT-PCR Primers and Probes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020); https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/rt-pcr-panel-primer-probes.html

3. Wang, B., Li, R., Lu, Z. & Huang, Y. Does comorbidity increase the risk of patients with COVID-19: evidence from meta-analysis. Aging 12, 6049–6057 (2020).

4. Pan, Y. et al. Serological immunochromatographic approach in diagnosis with SARS-CoV-2 infected COVID-19 patients. J. Infect. 81, e28–e32 (2020).

5. Lin, D. et al. Evaluations of the serological test in the diagnosis of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections during the COVID-19 outbreak. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 39, 2271–2277 (2020).

6. Zwirglmaier, K. et al. Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 by pulse-controlled amplification (PCA). Preprint at medRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.29.20154104 (2020).

7. Infantino, M. et al. Serological assays for SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease: benefits, limitations, and perspectives. Isr. Med. Assoc. J. 22, 203–210 (2020).

8. Wang, D. et al. Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 323, 1061–1069 (2020).

9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-in-babies-and-children/art-20484405

10. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/23/health/covid-ba2-omicron-studies-explainer/index.html

11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SARS-CoV-2_Omicron_variant#Severity_and_immunity

12. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/ba2-covid-subvariant-now-dominant-worldwide/ar-AAVjtOU

13. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions

Fig 1Ref: Dreamtime.com

Fig 2 https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions

On October 6th, 2022, Women & Hi Tech will host its signature biennial event, the Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala (LLAs). Women & Hi Tech is excited to announce the applications and nominations for the 2022 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala are open!

The theme of this year’s event will be focused on how we are all “In This Together.” The last two years have had impacts on the world that none of us could have imagined. This event will give us an opportunity to focus on how we have come together during these challenging times, particularly in the STEM community, and to celebrate and encourage each other and our community as we go forward. 

We are excited to have Jennie Lopez as this year’s Leading Light Awards Emcee. Jennie is currently the head of Global Recruiting and Talent Acquisition for Eli Lilly and Company. She is also an executive board member for the Organization of Latinx at her company focusing on developing and accelerating Latinx talent and joined the Board of Directors for Genesis Research in 2021.

In the face of the stress, distraction and disruption caused by the pandemic, there were many who persevered. Women & Hi Tech President Linda Hicks calls on communities across Indiana to bring these stories forward. 

“Do you know someone who rose above the tough times and still made a significant difference? Someone whose actions elevated our Women & Hi Tech mission for more STEM inclusion? Or a student who has been determined to push through the confusion and achieve their goals? We plan to recognize and celebrate these achievements and create an inspiring evening for our STEM community."

Women & Hi Tech would be delighted to have you and your organization join us for this remarkable evening at the Indiana Rooftop Ballroom! Learn more about the event at https://womenandhitech.org/2022-Leading-Light-Awards/.

About Women & Hi Tech:

Women & Hi Tech is a 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in Indianapolis in 1999 by Eli Lilly scientist, Joyce Gustafson, and Indiana University academic, Georgia Miller. Over the last two decades, Women & Hi Tech has blazed a trail for supporting, recognizing, and advancing outstanding women and girls pursuing STEM fields in Indiana. In that time, Women & Hi Tech has become a pillar of the local STEM community through its educational, professional development, recognition, mentoring, and networking programs, which provide valuable resources to champion collegiate and career women, along with STEM exposure opportunities for K-12 girls. A membership of almost 2000 professionals and students operated by an all-volunteer working Board of Directors and Emeritus, Women & Hi Tech is the only non-profit organization founded and focused in Indiana that is dedicated to changing the landscape of women represented in STEM to be equally inclusive to all.